Trump revives Greenland rhetoric, threatens to ‘remove’ U.S. troops in Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his controversial stance on Greenland during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, asserting that the United States, not Denmark, should control the island. Trump claimed Greenland was strategically important for the U.S. and suggested that its lack of control strained relations with NATO allies, particularly Denmark.

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The United States, not Denmark, should control Greenland.

"We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe," Trump declared, linking his threat to the perceived lack of cooperation from Denmark regarding Greenland and defense spending. This assertion has historically caused friction between the U.S. and its NATO partners, both founding members of the alliance.

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We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected Trump's claims, stating that Greenland is not for sale and that Danish sovereignty must be respected. She emphasized that there were no plans to discuss issues concerning the Arctic or Greenland during the summit in Ankara. Greenland's Foreign Minister Mute Egede echoed this sentiment, affirming that Greenland's future should be decided by its people.

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It is a well-known position of the United States that it wants to own and take over Greenland. I hope that it is equally well-known everywhere that this is not going to happen.

The dispute over Greenland, which Trump has framed as a national security imperative, has previously led to diplomatic standoffs. Despite ruling out the use of force, Trump's insistence on acquiring or controlling the island continues to complicate U.S. relations with its European allies.

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Greenland’s future should be decided by its people. That’s how it has always been. And that’s how it always will be.